Gaming Angels Founder and CEO, Trina Schwimmer talks about a few games she can’t wait to play, how indie developers are benefiting from digital game downloads, and the origins of GamingAngels.com
What games are you currently playing?
Trina Schwimmer: I am trying to clear up my backlog on games. It’s hard to find time to play when you are planning a site upgrade. On the 360, I’m playing Fable II, but before every game I play Sorry!. I’m totally addicted. For the Playstation 3 I am playing Uncharted, on the PSP I’m playing Phantasy Star Portable and on my DS it’s Puzzle Quest. I still go back and play Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii every now and then.
What upcoming games are you most excited about and why?
TS: I feel like there is a lot to be excited about across all game systems. But in particular for the Wii, I can’t wait to try EA Sports Active and Need for Speed Nitro. Recently I had a hands-on with Need for Speed Nitro and really enjoyed it! The controls were easy to learn and very responsive.
Consumers can easily purchase games through their console’s online store and begin playing a new game instantly without leaving their home. In addition, independent game developers can now reach gamers through these stores without having to partner with a game publisher. Do you think the industry is headed to point where you no longer purchase a physical game? If yes, in your opinion is that good or bad thing?
TS: Since the beginning of GamingAngels.com, we have supported Independent Developers. It’s great to see that Independent Developers now have new avenues to get their game in the hands of gamers. I firmly believe that Independent Games push our industry forward as they try new things whether it’s game mechanics or a different way of gaming entirely.
The industry is definitely exploring digital delivery of games. Will physical media go away? In my opinion, no. I know I love having the physical media. The stacks of games in a bookshelf that tells others what my favorite hobby is.
Digital delivery of games is a great option and does move the game industry forward in being more accessible. The more options we have, the better.
The DSi sold 600,000 units in its first two days in Europe and the US. The successful launch is being compared to the launch of the iPhone 3G. In comparison, first DS only sold 500,000 units in its first entire week in the US. What do you think drove consumers to stores this time around?
TS: I have no researched reasons as to why the DSi is selling so well compared to initial DS sales. Most of the people I know upgraded and passed their DS onto a family member.
For those who may not be familiar with Gaming Angels, can you tell us about your site and how you got started?
TS: I started GamingAngels.com three years ago in response to a severe lack of women writing about games in magazines and online. Many online communities state in their mission statement that they are created for young males, so where does that put us women that love video games? Three years ago I attended a game conference and asked a game editor why there are so few women game journalists. His reply was that women don’t play video games. I laughed but he was serious. At that event, I announced GamingAngels.com and our first members (one is an editor today).
It’s my goal to create an online community that showcases what women thing about various geeky hobbies. To encourage and foster exploration even when companies decide not to market their product to you. A big part of GamingAngels.com is to encourage women to go into careers in technology and gaming industries. We sponsor various tech conferences as well as mentor teens.
GamingAngels.com is completely run by women and for women. It’s not all about work, we have fun too! We sponsor various game nights and our Angels &Vixens party was wildly successful. Watch for more gaming nights throughout the year. We just launched a brand new look to GA with some new features. Our E3 coverage will be in video for the first time and we’re looking forward to launching some new ways to interact with our community.
Check out GamingAngels.com for the latest on games, comics, movies, and more. You can also follow Trina on Twitter: @gamingangel.
1 response so far ↓
1 carmen // May 26, 2009 at 8:55 am
thanks for the great interview. re: digital game downloads. I agree, physical media isn’t going away anytime soon, but digital downloads are opening up so many innovations in gaming. Telltale Games’ Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People is an excellent example of that
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